Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #231: Don't Panic... Okay, Panic (4/29/98)
Darrel gets up quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping Mytag.
Mytag stirs and opens one eye.
Darrel zlins the Gen awakening.
Darrel: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you.
Mytag yawns.
Darrel: You can sleep another hour or two, if you like.
Mytag: That's okay, I sleep too much anyway.
Mytag considers it.
Mytag gets up.
Darrel is feeling a bit guilty after already getting Mytag to sleep in his room.
Darrel: Really, I'll be fine....
Mytag: No, I'll get up.
Mytag stretches.
Mytag: What have you got planned for today, Darrel?
[some missing lines.. about 3 minutes' worth]
Mytag: Ha, I won't.
Mytag stands up, still shirtless.
Mytag: I'll come with you and run through some forms outside, more room.
Darrel: If you want to.
Darrel tries to hide his eagerness.
Mytag stretches again.
Mytag: You ready?
Darrel: Yes.
Darrel starts towards the door.
Mytag follows him.
Darrel ghosts down the stairs, to avoid waking any late-sleeping Gens.
Mytag enjoys the nippy cold air.
Darrel holds the back door for Mytag, then wanders over to inspect the roses.
Mytag walks over to the middle of the lawn and starts stretching.
Mytag runs through some basic forms.
Darrel runs a tentacle over a rosebud.
Darrel: This will be blooming in a few more days. If it's reasonably warm, that is.
Mytag is starting to warm up.
Mytag runs through secondary forms, hearing Darrel speak without being aware of what he is saying.
Darrel dispatches a stray aphid.
Darrel turns around to look at Mytag.
Darrel: What are you doing?
Mytag comes to a close, breathing regularly and totally relaxed.
Mytag: That depends who you talk to. Exercising, meditating - bit of both.
Darrel: Oh.
Darrel: Well, the roses look good, but we're got the early morning shift, so we'd best grab some tea and get ready.
Mytag: I'll duck up to my room and get changed and meet you in the cafeteria.
Darrel: Fine.
Darrel realizes that he can actually trust Mytag to show up, which is a nice change.
Mytag jogs quietly along the corridor and to his room.
Darrel heads to the cafeteria and pours himself some tea.
Mytag hops in and has a cold shower, glad there are no Simes around so he doesn't have to turn the heat on, then gets out, rubs dry and dresses.
Darrel sits at a table and sips it, trying to convince himself that their shift will go well.
Mytag brushes his hair back, cleans his teeth and goes back to join Darrel.
Mytag picks up a cup of trin and some toast on the way.
Mytag puts the toast in the middle of the table and picks up a slice.
Mytag: You eaten yet Darrel? [indicating that Darrel should have some toast]
Darrel: Umm....
Darrel has long since learned not to argue nutrition with a hungry Donor, and picks up a piece of toast.
Alea walks into the cafeteria.
Alea gets some breakfast and sees Mytag and Darrel and goes over toward them.
Mytag sees Alea approaching and deftly reduces her impact.
Mytag: Morning Alea. [smiles]
Alea nods to Mytag.
Darrel smiles at Alea, too--genuinely, with Mytag handling the fields.
Alea: Good morning.
Mytag pulls out a seat for her.
Mytag: Have a seat. [takes her tray and puts it on the table]
Mytag: How are you this morning?
Alea seats herself.
Mytag notes a certain tiredness around the eyes.
Alea: Fine, and you?
Alea looks at Darrel.
Alea: And how are you?
Mytag lifts an eyebrow at Darrel.
Darrel: Fine.
Darrel is glad that Gens can't zlin minor prevarications.
Darrel zlins Alea's condition.
Alea lifts her juice and takes a sip.
Alea: I'm glad to hear that.
Walter comes into the cafeteria with his bucket and mop and worried expression.
Walter: ~~ somewhere closer to need than turnover~~ 1
Walter puts down the bucket and mop and starts putting chairs up on tables, mopping under then, then putting the chairs down again.
Mytag sips his tea and wishes he could zlin.
Darrel looks at Walter's slow progress towards their table.
Walter takes the chairs back off the table next to the one that Hajene Darrel and company are at.
Darrel looks at the stacked chairs' proximity to Alea.
Darrel: Mytag, our shift is about to begin.
Alea takes a bite of cereal.
Darrel has learned a lot at Bender Cove, particularly when it comes to making quick strategic retreats.
Walter looks up and sees that the next table in the row is occupied.
Walter stands there looking at it, waiting for it to become unoccupied so he can continue.
Mytag: It is?
Mytag thinks it's a bit early, but then, he is only a Gen.
Mytag puts down his cup.
Mytag: Sorry to eat and run, Alea.
Alea glances up.
Alea: Oh.
Walter zlins them and hooks onto a field he recognises.
Alea: I... uh...
Alea wonders if she has run them off.
Darrel flees into the corridor.
Mytag: Err, time and the Tecton waits for no man.
Alea: I... uh... see.
Mytag: No channel either, and it looks like my channel waits for no Donor.
Mytag: If you will excuse us!
Mytag heads off after Darrel.
Alea nods.
Lanyi comes downstairs.
Darrel is waiting just outside in the hall, leaning against the wall.
Darrel: Mytag, what's happening to me?
Mytag: Other they the paranoia you mean?
Alea pushes the cereal away.
Walter sees that most of the occupation seems to be finished and that only the nice Sosu Alea is left.
Walter is happy about that.
Walter moves closer.
Alea fiddles with her cup.
Mytag: Do you want to talk about it?
Mytag: ~~support~~
Walter: Hello Sosu!!!!!
Darrel collects himself.
Darrel: Not just now. We really are on duty.
Darrel walks towards the lobby, at a more reasonable pace this time.
Alea smiles at Walter.
Alea: Are you waiting on this chair?
Walter: I have to mop the floor now!
Walter: Cause it's time to mop the floor now!
Lanyi comes through the lobby, walking carefully.
Walter thinks about it.
Alea realizing she isn't hungry, stands.
Alea: Here you go.
Walter: No Sosu! You are on that chair.
Alea: You can have my chair.
Darrel enters the lobby.
Alea: Not anymore.
Darrel waves at Lanyi.
Walter looks at the chair and sits down.
Darrel: Good morning, Hajene.
Walter: Thank you Sosu!
Darrel: ~~ false cheer ~~
Lanyi nods to Darrel. "Hello."
Mytag nods and smiles at Lanyi. [such a lovely lady]
Alea turns and leaves the cafeteria.
Walter sits there for awhile, then gets up and finishes washing the floor.
Darrel looks around to see if any weirdoes (err, clients) have arrived.
Lanyi goes over to look over the daily notices.
Lanyi waves to Mytag.
Eliza opens the door and comes in from outside.
Eliza sees more people in the lobby than she hoped for to witness her return.
Alea walks down the hall, brooding.
Eliza: Errr, Morning Lanyi.
Eliza: ~~doh caught~~
Lanyi: Morning Eliza. How are you today?
Eliza: ~~guilty as sin~~ I'm good, thanks Lanyi. You?
Lanyi smiles. "Very well, thank you for asking."
Darrel wonders why Eliza is zlinning so guilty.
Lanyi zlins Eliza, wondering what she is perturbed about.
Eliza's hair is still doing that odd "Snake's syndrome" thing that it has been doing since shampooing with Snake's soap.
Alea goes down the hall toward the lobby, intending to go to her office.
Mytag looks at the lobby which is devoid of clientele.
Alea strolls into the lobby.
Lanyi: How is your training going, Eliza?
Mytag: Looks empty. [meaning safe]
Lanyi: Morning Alea.
Alea glances at Lanyi and smiles.
Alea: Good morning, Hajene.
Alea looks at Eliza... and gapes.
Darrel looks around at Eliza and Alea, and his tentacles start tying themselves into knots.
Alea: Er... hello... uh... Eli... za....
Eliza: Morning Alea. Errr, good, thanks Lanyi. ~~lying through her teeth~~
Mytag puts a hand on Darrel's arm
Mytag: What's got you so upset?
Alea cocks her head, studying Eliza like she has sprouted horns before she forces her attention away from Eliza's new hair do.
Mytag: It's just Alea and Eli... oh I see.
Alea glances at Lanyi.
Eliza: What's wrong Alea?
Alea: What are you scheduled for today?
Alea avoids looking at Eliza.
Eliza frowns and puts her hand up to her head.
Alea: Nothing, not a um... thing.
Darrel puts Mytag between himself and the two other Donors and tries to hide behind his field.
Eliza: Oh, it's been like that since Snake and I had a bath together.
Alea nods.
Eliza: I think it's her soap or something.
Lanyi raises her eyebrows.
Alea wonders what type of soap Snake has started using.
Mytag leads Darrel towards his office.
Alea: You should have asked her for the other soap.
Darrel doesn't want to know, and hopes it doesn't get out, after Warren the previous day.
Alea: I'm sure she has some, with two Donors there.
Darrel follows Mytag closely, almost stepping on his heels.
Alea notes Darrel and Mytag and wonders why Mytag is so nervous.
Alea glances back at Lanyi.
Alea: So, who are you working with today?
Alea edges closer to the field, envious of whoever it is.
Lanyi: I hadn't checked yet.
Lanyi goes over to look at the board.
Alea follows.
Eliza sneaks off to her room.
Alea: Eliza?
Alea sees her sneaking off.
Eliza: ~~drat~~
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Eliza: Yes, Alea? You want me for something?
Alea: What's up with you?
Alea: Something's not right.
Eliza: [wide eyed innocence] What do you mean?
Alea lifts an eyebrow.
Alea: How long have I known you Eliza?
Eliza counts on her fingers.
Eliza: 4 months.
Alea: Yes.
Alea: Four long months.
Alea: You have guilt written all over you.
Eliza: Who, me?
Alea: Yes you.
Eliza: Why do you say that, Alea?
Alea moves over and studies Eliza's face.
Alea: The wide-eyed 'who me' look for one thing.
Eliza looks nervously at Lanyi.
Alea: The way you tried to sneak off.
Alea: The way you look me right in the eye.....
Alea: And don't blink.
Alea smiles.
Alea: So, what's up?
Eliza: I was just going to have a shower [indicates the direction of her room].
Alea: Perhaps I should go with you.
Alea smiles sweetly.
Lanyi watches idly.
Alea: After all, it has been soooooo long since we talked.
Eliza looks at Lanyi in panic.
Eliza: Weren't you working with Lanyi?
Alea has forgotten Lanyi is standing there in her quest for information.
Alea: Oh!
Alea glances at Lanyi.
Alea: No, not at all.
Eliza: I assumed... I mean you and Lanyi....
Alea: I've been taken off the work list.
Eliza: Oh. ~~damn~~
Alea: Now, where have you been?
Alea smiles.
Alea: And what have you been up to that has you trying to change the subject or run?
Eliza: I've been staying at Snake's. I thought you knew.
Eliza blushes.
Eliza: No reason. I mean, I wasn't.
Alea looks askance at Eliza.
Alea: Come on, Eliza... you know I'll find out one way or another.
Alea: You gonna make it easy or hard?
Alea advances on Eliza.
Eliza backs up and almost falls over a coffee table.
Eliza: Honestly [squark!] Alea!
Alea thinks furiously over everything she has heard in the rumor mill lately.
Alea: D'cor!
Alea thinks that's got to be it.
Eliza: What!
Eliza: Where!
Alea smiles smugly.
Eliza looks around in panic, totally over balances and falls flat on her face.
Alea moves up right by her.
Alea leans over to help Eliza up.
Eliza: Shen Alea!
Alea: Watch out where you are going!
Eliza looks up at Lanyi.
Eliza: Sorry Lanyi.
Eliza brushes her off.
Eliza: I can get up by myself.
Alea: Shen Eliza, you're going to break something!
Alea: Now, tell me why you are so embarrassed.
Alea moves up next to Eliza again.
Eliza: I'm not embarrassed!
Alea lifts an eyebrow in disbelief
Eliza starts to head off towards her room.
Darrel zlins pain and embarrassment coming from the lobby, and shudders.
Alea: Fine. I'll talk to D'cor.
Eliza: NO!
Alea: Oh?
Alea: And why not?
Alea: YOU'RE not talking.
Eliza: Oh shen Alea. We have been assigned to each other again!
Alea: You what!
Mytag: Darrel. ~~I'm here~~
Alea chuckles, not believing it.
Alea: Yeah and I've been assigned to Lanyi!
Alea shakes her head.
Darrel clutches at Mytag with all tentacles.
Mytag: Darrel, what's the matter? You are acting like a First Year near a Gen hospital!
Eliza: No it's true!
Alea: That's what I am saying.
Alea: You two hated each other by the end of the transfer. Why would they reassign you to each other?
Darrel: That's what it feels like.
Eliza: I don't hate him.
Mytag wonders if Darrel has lost all control.
Alea: You could have fooled me.
Darrel: The ambient out there zlins like an earthquake about to happen.
Mytag surrounds Darrel, deciding to behave as if a Gen hospital was indeed where they were.
Mytag: You seem much too sensitive at the moment.
Darrel relaxes as the lobby fault lines are muffled.
Mytag: I'm going to suggest that you are taken off the rotation for awhile. That reminds me, how closely are we matched?
Alea: So, tell me, Eliza, is that what has you so worried?
Eliza: I don't hate him. I'm terrified of him.
Eliza: Oh yeah.
Darrel zlins Mytag to see if he's nervous about their transfer.
Alea: Terrified?
Alea gapes.
Alea is certain she misunderstood.
Darrel: Close enough. I'm rated a hair faster, but you've been out of test longer.
Alea: But... but HE is the SIME!
Mytag: ~~calm~~
Darrel: I shouldn't give you any problems.
Alea cannot imagine ANY Donor being scared of the Sime.
Mytag: Wasn't worried about that.
Mytag is surprised that Darrel thought he was.
Eliza: He, yells at me. And he is mad at me all the time.
Alea smiles ~~ relief ~~
Eliza: He is going to HATE being assigned to me again.
Alea: Come over here and let me tell you something.
Darrel: Then what does have you so worried?
Alea moves over to sit down on the couch.
Mytag: I'm more worried about your condition.
Eliza reluctantly goes with her.
Darrel: My condition?
Alea: Eliza....
Alea: Let me tell you something about the Gen.
Alea leans forward close to Eliza.
Mytag: Were you this, errr, nervous, before you came here?
Mytag: Or have you noticed an increase in your sensitivity lately?
Alea: You have all the power.
Darrel: Nervous? Not particularly. But then, I've never worked in a place like this before.
Eliza thinks that it has finally happened, Alea has finally cracked.
Alea sees Eliza's look.
Darrel: I'm not used to insane clients, or Farris Donors with two left feet, or trainees who regularly half kill any Sime in the room.
Mytag pulls in all support, making his nager go flat.
Alea: Okay, Eliza. Tell me, what do you do if Mostan gets out of hand and you want to straighten him out?
Lanyi goes away down the hall.
Darrel clutches desperately at Mytag as the support disappears.
Darrel: Don't....
Mytag: Darrel, you aren't in need
Mytag: You know I'm here.
Mytag: Where is your control?
Mytag: I'll help you, but I won't carry you through the month.
Mytag: What would you do if you were assigned Eliza next month?
Mytag: That's a possibility you know.
Darrel thinks about the possibility.
Darrel: Plan my funeral?
Mytag: Training new Donors is as much part of the job as donations and transfers.
Mytag: I don't want you to come to depend on your Donor for full support
Mytag: Is that what happened?
Mytag: Have you been use to letting the Donor control all the time?
Eliza: What's Mostan got to do with D'cor?
Alea looks at Eliza.
Alea: Well?
Alea: Tell me, if he's not in the mood and you are, what do you do?
Alea waits patiently.
Darrel looks at Mytag oddly.
Darrel: Of course not.
Eliza thinks if Alea needs to know that then she will just have to work it out for herself, and she clamps her lips.
Darrel: Lately, I haven't had a Donor around at all, to control or do anything else.
Mytag: You have one now.
Mytag: Why are you still so nervous?
Alea: That bad, huh?
Alea sighs.
Mytag: I know I'm not incompetent, so it's not me.
Alea: Remind me to have a talk with you about the joys found in the bedroom.
Alea: Oh well....
Darrel looks behind him in the direction of the lobby.
Alea: Okay....
Eliza: Oh no.
Alea: Donors have the power over Channels.
Eliza blushes furiously.
Alea: You don't seem to grasp this.
Eliza: Alea, we are IN THE LOBBY
Alea: Yes we are in the lobby.
Eliza wonders why everything happens in the lobby and resolves to get out of there and never enter it again.
Alea: What do you think people don't realize Donors have sex?
Alea points at her stomach.
Alea: I think it's pretty obvious.
Eliza goes redder.
Darrel: Eliza has put several channels in the infirmary--in only a few months--while Alea is widely known for tripping over her own feet, slamming pain into the ambient without warning.
Darrel: And you wonder why I'm nervous about them?
Mytag: From what I hear it was as much D'cor's fault as Eliza's.
Mytag decides not to mention Alea's upcoming labour.
Alea: Now, do you want to learn about being a Donor or not?
Alea: Let's say your channel gets upset.
Alea: Obviously, that is something you can relate to.
Eliza: What's that got to do with [harsh whisper] sex!
Eliza thinks that maybe Alea has been talking to Shonie.
Alea: Oh Eliza, honey, haven't you ever had to soothe Mostan when he was upset?
Darrel: And how many other Simes has that girl slammed in the past few months?
Alea is really beginning to have serious doubts about their relationship.
Eliza: Of course!
Alea: And what do you do?
Eliza: But if I try to do anything like that to D'cor he runs away gagging!
Alea: Try what?
Mytag thinks that maybe Eliza would benefit from doing forms with him every morning and decides to suggest it to her.
Mytag: She will learn control eventually. She isn't a real danger to you, or she wouldn't be here.
Alea tries to wonder what Eliza would do that would make D'cor gag.
Mytag considers that carefully and decides it must be right.
Darrel: Tell that to Snake Farris, who's almost been killed by both Eliza and Alea.
Mytag: From what I heard in the lobby Snake seems to be getting along okay with them.
Mytag: Alea is moving in there soon and Eliza has just spent the last few days with her.
Mytag isn't quite sure what he heard about the bath - but it sounded friendly.
Darrel: Snake has two high First Order Donors to keep the ambient steady.
Mytag doubts they were all in the bath but doesn't say anything as Darrel is obviously not open to reason.
Eliza: Anyway, D'cor isn't Mostan.
Darrel: You're good, Mytag, but your nager isn't quite strong enough to block Alea falling off a chair, or Eliza throwing a tantrum. Not completely.
Alea decides Eliza doesn't want to hear it and stands.
Alea: Oh well.
Eliza gets angry and loses control.
Alea: When you're ready to learn how to be a Donor and want help with D'cor, please feel free to ask.
Eliza: There is no problem with Mostan.
Alea shrugs.
Alea: If you say so.
Eliza: You're just like the rest of them! [yells]
Alea looks at Eliza in surprise.
Alea: How is that?
Eliza turns and runs into her room.
Alea follows.
Alea taps on the door.
Alea: You want to tell me why you are upset now, Eliza?
Eliza lays on the bed and sobs.
Alea thinks, 'kids'.
Mytag: The point is, Darrel, that I shouldn't have to.
Darrel: You're right.
Mytag: You should be capable of blocking a certain amount yourself.
Mytag: I'm right?
Mytag is set back by this turn around.
Mytag: I mean, yes, I'm right.
Darrel: A Sime Center shouldn't be staffed almost exclusively with problem Donors.
Darrel: It's like living under siege.
Darrel pulls himself together with an effort.
Mytag: I'm sure it's just a transitional thing.
Darrel: Well, they've gone now, anyway.
Darrel: And we're on duty.
Eliza snuffles something unintelligible into her pillow.
Darrel squares his shoulders and marches back into the lobby.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Eliza. Open this door right now and tell me what is going on!
Eliza gets up and opens the door.
Mytag follows him.
Alea: Now tell me what is going on?
Eliza throws herself onto the bed again and mumbles into the pillow.
Alea waddles in and slams the door.
Alea: You will straighten up right now.
Alea: You are a Donor.
Alea: A DONOR!
Alea: Don't you know what that means?
Alea: Now, sit up and talk to me.
Eliza turns her head.
Alea: I want to know what the shenned is going on in that pea brain of yours.
Alea: I am not a channel. I cannot zlin you.
Eliza: Everyone is trying to keep me and Mos apart.
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Alea: They are WHAT!
Eliza: And Shonie wants me to sleep around.
Alea feels like laughing... then stutters.
Alea: Oh...er....WHAT!
Alea: No no no!
Alea: You had to be mistaken
Eliza: No, she said I needed more sexual experience with more men.
Eliza: How do you mistake that?
Alea: I... I... oh that's ridiculous.
Alea: I'm sure Mostan is more than enough for you.
Alea sits down on the bed next to Eliza and strokes her hair.
Eliza: She said it would help my music.
Alea: She's full of....
Alea shakes her head.
Alea: You know, in your heart, what you need.
Alea: I thought... THINK... you care deeply for Mostan, Eliza.
Alea: Why in the world would you listen to some silly woman tell you to go find someone else and mess that up?
Eliza wonders what Alea thinks Shonie is full of, and concludes that Alea must think that Shonie was full of selyn, and post, when she made that suggestion.
Eliza: She isn't a silly woman.
Alea: If she suggested you sleep with someone else other than the person you love, yes, she is.
Alea: She obviously has never had a meaningful relationship.
Alea strokes the hair again, thinking perhaps this time it'll stay laying down.
Eliza's hair springs up again, looking amazingly like Snake's.
Alea pulls Eliza into her arms.
Alea hugs her.
Alea: Listen, sweetie, no one... NO ONE has the right to tell you who to sleep with and who not to sleep with.
Alea: And I know Mostan is special to you. There is no one here who would keep you apart from that... least of all me.
Alea: Okay?
Eliza hesitates.
Eliza: I heard....
Eliza: I heard that the Tecton will assign post partners.
Alea shakes her head.
Alea: Rarely.
Alea: Only if someone isn't getting what they should. And they do try to be considerate of feelings.
Alea hugs her again.
Alea gets up and walks away, going back to the lobby of the Sime Center.
Alea makes her way into the lobby.
Tarsh comes in the door to the lobby.
Alea glances around and smiles.
Alea: Hello Tarsh.
Tarsh: Alea!
Alea smiles.
Tarsh comes over and hugs her.
Alea hugs Tarsh.
Alea: How are you today?
Tarsh: How are you doing today?
Alea chuckles.
Alea: Fine... now.
Alea: I was up talking with Eliza earlier.
Alea: Poor thing.
Alea shakes her head.
Tarsh: I'm doing great today. What's up with Eliza?
Alea: She is so upset. Evidently, someone has been telling her she should stay away from Mostan.
Alea: She thinks the entire world is out to get her, especially after that awful transfer with D'cor.
Alea: She told me she's been assigned to D'cor again this month.
Alea hugs Tarsh, leaning against him.
Tarsh: Why? She isn't his last transfer partner anymore.
Tarsh: Regs don't care about things after a month.
Alea: I have no idea why, or who.
Alea: I know that.
Alea: I told her not to worry.
Alea: To ignore what everyone else said and just love him.
Tarsh reaches down to rub Alea's back.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Thank you.
Alea: I've... um....
Alea: You might want to know... well, the last letter I got from Muryin was rather odd.
Tarsh: I'm certainly in favor of love.
Alea smiles up at Tarsh softly.
Tarsh: Odd? How so?
Alea: As am I.
Alea 's smile fades.
Alea: You know she has been crazy about this baby and everything... well... this last letter she was asking all about Bender Cove.
Alea: The size of it. The population of Gens and Simes, the surround area.
Alea: What type of industry we had here.
Tarsh: She can't look that stuff up?
Alea looks at Tarsh.
Alea: I would imagine she'd use her spies to get the real information on what is going on, instead of dry figures.
Tarsh looks uncomfortable at mention of spies.
Tarsh: ~~ worry ~~
Alea runs a hand down Tarsh's arm, stroking a tentacle.
Alea: I'm not spying anymore, Tarsh.
Alea: Honestly.
Alea: I'm not sure what Muryin is up to, but she can be determined when she wants something.
Tarsh: So I've heard.
Alea looks curiously at Tarsh ~~ worry ~~
Tarsh: Of course there is that rumor about Keon.
Alea: What is that?
Alea hadn't heard the rumor... or isn't SURE she has heard the rumor.
Alea wonders how one about Keon escaped her.
Tarsh: Something about some big business deal where Keon got the better of Zeor.
Alea frowns.
Alea: I see.
Alea didn't know it was that well known.
Alea: Keon can certainly... negotiate.
Alea leans back against Tarsh and hugs him.
Alea: Would you care for breakfast?
Alea: I find I'm rather hungry, now that you've shown up.
Alea grins.
Tarsh: Yes, now that you mention it.
Alea slips an arm around Tarsh and starts toward her office.
Tarsh walks along with Alea.
Wise Snake walks down the street, frowning oddly and pondering the buildings around her.
Eliza goes and washes her face.
Eliza thinks that it's fun at Snake's, if only she had more food there.
Eliza will remember to take some next time.
Walter carries his bucket and mop into the lobby.
Wise Snake shakes her head and keeps walking, more purposefully now.
Wise Snake turns onto the street the Sime Center fronts on.
Wise Snake seems to be sans Donor.
Eliza brushes her hair and scowls at it in the mirror.
Wise Snake is not sure how that came about, since she had intended to obey Nick and Rapol's insistent commands on that point.
Eliza puts the brush down and leaves her room to head for the cafeteria.
Walter mops the floor.
Wise Snake climbs the front steps of the Sime Center, brings herself carefully hypo, and walks in.
Walter notices that there are marks on the walls.
Walter mops the walls.
Wise Snake notes the lobby is filled with the usual cases, and there is some guy awkwardly smearing a mop around and leaving mop bunnies on the walls.
Wise Snake winces at the sight.
Wise Snake: [not because she is a neat freak or anything, but because something is obviously seriously amiss with the guy]
Walter mops over the glass of the front windows.
Wise Snake can tell broken glass is going to enter the picture very soon, and turns and hurries through the lobby.
Walter drips water over some clients who hastily move.
Wise Snake goes to Tramila's door and signals.
Wise Snake waits, fidgeting, as no answer is forthcoming.
Wise Snake considers going out into the lobby again to check the schedule board for Tramila's whereabouts, but is reluctant to walk in on any broken-window disasters or the like.
Eliza sees Snake walking through the lobby and follows her. ~~curious~~
Wise Snake is pretty sure she has used up her no-disasters-happening-in-the-lobby ration for the next 2-3 months.
Wise Snake sighs and turns to walk through the Center, poking her head in various doors.
Wise Snake: Hmmm....
Wise Snake stops in an office that is labelled "Jirelle" but is standing open with nobody present.
Wise Snake starts to leave, but does a double take as she catches a large headline on a gossip sheet on the table.
Wise Snake darts into the office and picks up the sheet, reads it over carefully.
Wise Snake drops the paper and flees the office, leaving it face up: Tecton Tattler Special Edition - Muryin to Visit Bender Cove
Eliza sees Snake duck into Jirelle's office - and flee out of there just as quickly.
Eliza: Snake!
Wise Snake looks in a perfect panic.
Wise Snake blunders into Eliza.
Eliza: ~~concern~~
Eliza is surprised that Snake doesn't seem to be aware of her and very worried as to what this might mean.
Eliza: Snake are you all right?
Eliza takes her by the shoulders.
Wise Snake looks wild.
Wise Snake: I have to get out of here.
Wise Snake's hands and tentacles reach up to seize Eliza's arms.
Eliza: Okay, okay.
Eliza: You want me to come with you maybe?
Eliza looks at the grip Snake has on her.
Eliza: ~~soothing~~
Wise Snake stares at Eliza.
Wise Snake: ...what?
Eliza: Snake, you are hurting me, can you loosen up a bit?
Eliza wonders if maybe Snake saw the troll or something.
Wise Snake looks down at Eliza's arms, then lets go of her suddenly.
Eliza stumbles backwards as the grip is suddenly gone.
Eliza rubs her arms.
Eliza: Are you okay Snake? Do you want to sit down somewhere?
Wise Snake: No... no, I have to leave. I have to... shen, what am I going to do?
Wise Snake starts walking quickly down the hallway toward the front of the building.
Wise Snake: I could... the hospital! Or... Richard's? But I have appointments... ucch.
Wise Snake stops suddenly before she reaches the lobby and starts hurrying back toward the rear of the building.
Wise Snake: I'd have to leave somebody at the Ferry Building... Sky? God, no. Nick or Rapol? No no no....
Wise Snake is still panicking.
Alea walks out of her office, a satisfied smile on her face.
Alea feels wonderful today.
Eliza follows her.
Eliza tries to be as soothing as possible, she really is concerned.
Eliza: Snake, what's the problem?
Alea wonders if Tarsh made it upstairs without being seen.
Wise Snake is pulling her hair out in sweaty strings.
Alea walks down the hall.
Eliza reaches out to stop the self mutilation.
Eliza: Don't Snake, please.
Wise Snake: I can't go back there... but... my papers! Oh no... stop it. [slaps away Eliza's hands]
Wise Snake veers toward the back door, then stops dead in the hallway.
Alea sees Snake slapping at Eliza as she walks up.
Alea: Hello Snake, Eliza.
Wise Snake turns around to face Alea, backing away from her.
Wise Snake is wearing a wild expression.
Alea looks at Eliza wondering what was going on... and if this somehow ties in to their conversation earlier.
Wise Snake: Don't tell me you didn't have anything to do with this!
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Alea: What?
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
Alea is very worried suddenly.
Alea: With what?
Alea looks at Eliza in question.
Alea: What is it? What's going on?
Alea: Where is your Donor, Snake?
Wise Snake turns and runs off.
Alea runs after Snake.
Alea: WAIT!
Eliza runs after her.
Wise Snake gets lost in yet another remodelled, ultra-insulated corridor.
Wise Snake: What the... what do they keep doing to this place!!!
Wise Snake blunders about in various dead ends.
Alea puts on the speed, running as fast as she can after Snake.
Alea: Wait Snake!
Alea: WAIT!!!!!
Alea: Please!
Wise Snake hears various feet running after her and feels panicky and entrapped.
Alea runs into a wall as she skids around one corner then takes another, crying out for Snake.
Alea: Wait!
Alea throws a hand up... and gasps.
Alea: I... ooooh.
Alea grabs at her stomach.
Alea: Snake!
Alea stumbles to a halt, breathing hard.
Wise Snake admits she is hopelessly lost.
Wise Snake stops and tries to take deep, calming breaths.
Alea: Oh shen... false... labor pains... again....
Alea doubles over, groaning.
Wise Snake: Now, this isn't really that complicated. [to herself out loud]
Alea: Shen shen shen... Eliza!
Wise Snake: It isn't that large a building.
Alea: Please... find Snake....
Wise Snake: You're just panicking. Panicking never helped anybody.
Alea grits her teeth until the labor pain is passed.
Eliza runs into Snake as she belts around a corner.
Alea pushes up to a standing position.
Wise Snake: boOOF!
Eliza: Ooof!
Alea feels a gush.
Wise Snake staggers.
Eliza: Snake!
Wise Snake: Don't panic!!!
Alea looks down and there is water everywhere.
Eliza grabs her by the shoulder.
Wise Snake: [all but shrieks]
Alea: Oh my... shen... don... i
Alea thinks sex with Tarsh didn't cause this.
Alea thinks there is no water tank around... no nothing... no explanation for this.
Eliza shakes Snake.
Wise Snake's heart races and her eyes bulge.
Alea looks down again.
Wise Snake's hair is standing up in tattered spikes.
Eliza yells "Alea needs you!"
Alea looks up and realizes she is by the MEMORIAL room in the basement!!!!!!!
Wise Snake: Stop it... stop! Stop it.
Alea: Oh shen.
Alea: Not again!
Eliza lets go of her and turns and runs away.
Wise Snake pushes Eliza away.
Wise Snake: Shen.. control your field.
Wise Snake: What is this about Alea?
Alea: I wet my pants. I was running too fast and just wet my... ohmyGOD!!!!!!!
Alea grabs at her stomach as a contraction, a REAL contraction, hits.
Wise Snake hears the scream and starts in that direction.
Eliza doesn't stop to answer but runs back to Alea.
Alea staggers over and leans against the memorial door, and promptly falls through
Alea ~~ PAIN ~~
Alea ~~ PANIC ~~
Eliza belts down the stairs to the basement.
Eliza can't for the life of her think why Alea chose the basement to have the baby.
Wise Snake starts to follow Eliza, then stops in confusion.
Wise Snake looks back over her shoulder, then goes down the basement stairs after Eliza.
Eliza belts after Alea.
Alea looks around the memorial room!!!!!
Alea: Oh SHEEEEEEEEEN!
Alea: Not here.
Wise Snake skids down the basement stairs in a cloud of dust bunnies.
Alea waits until the contraction is past and grabs the railing, hauling herself up.
Eliza: Alea, Alea, are you all right?
Wise Snake: No! She's not.
Alea: ElizanoI'mnotallrightI'mhavingthebaby!
Eliza rushes to her side and puts an arm around her.
Alea takes in a huge breath.
Alea: What the shenned happened?
Alea: The baby isn't due yet.
Wise Snake: Ok, everybody stay calm. [still panicking by the way]
Alea: Oooh ugh... don't slip in the water!
Alea ~~ panic ~~
Wise Snake: Shhh... just stay calm.
Eliza puts spaces in to see what Alea said.
Alea's eyes widen as a pain starts building in her lower back again.
Wise Snake: [white edges showing around her already pale eyes]
Eliza: Oh okay.
Eliza: Isn't it a bit early to have the baby?
Eliza: Shouldn't you wait?
Alea grabs Eliza's hand.
Wise Snake: Yes!!
Alea: Yessssssss.
Alea: I shsssssoulld.
Alea ~~ pain wraps around stomach ~~ eyes go wide.
Eliza: I guess you aren't going to wait hey.
Wise Snake: Ah... I don't think that will be an option anymore.
Alea: I... oh shen Snaaaaake!
Wise Snake makes a decision.
Eliza looks at Snake and then at Alea.
Wise Snake: Come on... you're going upstairs.
Wise Snake picks up Alea.
Alea gasps for breath over and over.
Alea: I... up....
Alea: whooohoooooouuuhhhh.
Wise Snake staggers until she finds the right level of augmentation [lots]
Alea wraps her arms around Snake's neck, heeing and hahing.
Eliza follows behind them in case Snake falls over [give them something to land on]
Wise Snake finds her balance and climbs the basement stairs.
Alea: Wh-wh-wh-where is T-T-T-arsh....
Alea: We-we-went....shop-ping....
Wise Snake: And me without a Donor.
Alea runs a hand up into Snake's hair.
Alea: It's too early!
Alea is holding her hair quite tight.
Alea: I'm going to die.
Wise Snake: Eliza! Get Tramila. Do you know where her office is?
Alea ~~ firm conviction ~~
Wise Snake: No, no, you're not going to die.
Eliza: Okay.
Tramila shoves a paper back into the in box and sighs.
Wise Snake: ~~scared~~
Alea: And no one will be here to help Tarsh raise the baby....
Eliza runs past them and along to Tramila's office.
Alea: You make him take another person... make him love someone... ooooh oooh!
Eliza opens the door without knocking or otherwise signaling.
Wise Snake carries Alea to a treatment room.
Alea grits her teeth.
Wise Snake lays Alea down.
Eliza: Alea is having the baby, Snake is with her.
Tramila: What! ~alarmed~
Tramila: Where!!!
Alea pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around them.
Eliza rushes out and heads to the infirmary.
Alea feels the contraction subsiding.
Alea drops back panting.
Alea: How in the world can... my labor... be so far... along... unless....
Tramila wants to augment but follows Eliza since she didn't say where Alea and Snake were.
Alea ~~ sudden guilt ~~
Wise Snake zlins Alea. [for the 300th time in 2 minutes]
Alea is in active labor... the baby already making its way down the birth canal.
Alea is at a stage seven.
Alea: Oh noooooooo.
Tramila pushes her way into the infirmary, zlinning.
Tramila: Alea!
Wise Snake: Ok Alea, try to relax, do your breathing.
Alea: I thought the pains last night and today were from that food I cooked!
Wise Snake is perfectly unrelaxed herself.
Alea is in tears.
Tramila: Wise... talk to me... tell me what has been happening.
Alea: It was... what?
Alea looks at Snake.
Wise Snake: Alea... please... just breathe. You know how.
Alea: I... breathe.
Wise Snake looks like she's going to freak out.
Alea thinks that sounds like a good idea.
Alea sees Snake
Alea: Snake... Snake... breathe, Snake.
Alea: Like this.
Tramila sets a calming ambient.
Alea breathes in.
Alea breathes out.
Tramila: Let me zlin you, Alea.
Alea lets go of her legs and reaches out toward Snake.
Alea: In.
Alea breaths in again.
Alea: Out.
Wise Snake breaths a sigh of relief at the touch of Tramila's field.
Alea has already breathed out.
Tramila: Wise... breathe.
Alea: See, Snake...we're breathing... we're breathing. We're... [gasps]
Wise Snake: Never mind me, Alea's the one having the baby!
Alea ~~ contraction ~~
Alea ~~ pain ~~
Alea ~~ holding her breath again ~~~
Wise Snake: [breathing again]
Alea is turning blue.
Alea thinks it feels like some is trying to rip her spinal cord out.
Tramila places tentacles over Alea's stomach and sets the muscles to relax..
Wise Snake zlins anxiously.
Alea ~~ selyn draw increasing to baby ~~
Alea ~~ zlins like a pale shadow ~~
Wise Snake: [that was zlin #456]
Eliza hangs around in the background and tries to just ~be there~ in case anyone needs her.
Alea gasps in huge lungfuls of air as soon as the contraction passes.
Tramila: Alea.
Alea blinks and looks over.
Alea: Tramila?
Alea: When did you get here?
Alea sees Snake and grabs at a tentacle.
Alea ~~ fear ~~
Alea: Don't leave me.
Wise Snake pulls up Alea's dress and checks for the baby's head, somewhat encumbered by one of her tentacles being caught in Alea's grip.
Wise Snake: [not encumbered at all by underwear, for some reason Snake doesn't bother to analyze]
Eliza has an idea and sets to gathering towels.
Alea: Oh... oh... oh....
Alea: Shen....
Alea: Pain again.
Tramila: Breath Alea. Like we practiced.
Wise Snake feels the baby's head.
Wise Snake zlins Alea for the 786th time.
Alea won't release Snake's tentacle and she squeezes it and breathes.
Wise Snake: Shen... she's too low. Too low on selyn, Tramila....
Wise Snake: [edge of panic, with an attempt at discipline over it]
Tramila: Wise, have you ever given selyn to a new born before?
Alea collapses back, still holding Snake's tentacle.
Alea suddenly feels awful.
Alea ~~ dizzy ~~
Alea: Oh... oh... not... another... one....
Alea ~~ contraction ~~
Alea doesn't push this time.
Wise Snake looks tortured.
Tramila: Wise... listen to me. Alea... you can zlin her. You know she needs selyn. She NEEDS selyn.
Wise Snake: Yes... yes... I know.
Wise Snake grimaces, then reaches for Alea's other hand.
Tramila: I will hold the ambient.
Wise Snake: Come on, Alea. I'll give you what you... need.
Tramila: Do it. Wise.
Tramila: You can do it.
Tramila: Next contraction.
Alea: Snake....
Alea looks up at Snake.
Wise Snake's tentacles slide into position and she leans over Alea.
Alea feels a hard contraction in her back and gasps.
Tramila: For Alea... for the baby.
Alea: I... can't... serve....
Alea: I... Snake....
Wise Snake: Don't fight me, Alea.
Wise Snake takes a 5th contact and pushes selyn into Alea.
Alea feels the baby sliding, pushing its way forward.
Alea ~~ tingling along arms ~~
Alea ~~ confusion surprise... mild pain ~~
Wise Snake has an unusual amount of experience judging Gen pain limits, although generally the selyn is going the other way....
Tramila catches the baby and sets the points to deliver selyn to the newborn.
Alea ~~ burning pain running up arms and igniting in her body ~~
Tramila: [the baby screams.]
Alea's head suddenly feels like it's going to burst.
Alea: ~~ PAIN ~~
Wise Snake forces herself to keep going until Alea is out of danger selyn-wise.
Alea feels a crescendo of pain and then everything goes black.
Alea ~~ limp ~~
Wise Snake collapses across Alea, almost sobbing.
Alea ~~ pale sweaty breathing ~~
Wise Snake's tentacles withdraw.
Tramila holds the baby, cutting and tying the umbilical cord.
Eliza walks over to Snake, her hands full of towels.
Eliza: Is she dead?
Alea groans.
Tramila grabs a towel to clean the baby then shows it to Alea.
Tramila: Alea... baby... look what you have.
Wise Snake pushes herself up out of the way.
Tramila: Look what I have in my arms.
Eliza, satisfied as to Alea's animation, turns to look at the baby.
Wise Snake avoids looking at either Alea or the baby, instead going to the other side of the room.
Eliza follows Snake.
Eliza: Snake....
Tramila soothes the ambient.
Alea groggily opens her eyes and sees a blur.
Eliza: I don't know if there is anything I can do, but if there is, I just want you to know I'm here okay?
Alea is too weak to reach for the baby.
Tramila smiles.
Alea: Alive....
Tramila: Alive, Alea.
Tramila holds the baby close enough to Alea for her to touch the baby.
Tramila smiles.
Alea smiles weakly.
Alea drops back unconscious.
Tramila: Wise. Stay with Alea while I do a better job of cleaning the baby.
Wise Snake is white as a sheet and looks like she just saw a horrible accident.
Wise Snake: [or maybe caused one]
Wise Snake: .. sure, Tramila... uh... sure. [low voice]
Wise Snake goes back to Alea's side with extreme reluctance.
Wise Snake forces herself to zlin Alea. (# nine hundred-something)
Alea ~~ badly burned unconscious but going to live ~~
Eliza stays back and worries quietly.
Wise Snake: Eliza, could you get somebody to come and help clean her up?
Tramila: [voice low] She's going to need a strong Farris nager like yours to recover.
Tramila: She trusts you.
Wise Snake thinks she's done enough... too much... already.
Tramila: She trusted you with her life.
Tramila: And now she is alive to be the best Mother she can be... A loving Mother, Wise.
Tramila: I'm proud of you.
Wise Snake feels a familiar panicky sensation trying to rise up.
Tramila adjusts the ambient.
Wise Snake: Yes... well....
Wise Snake controls her breathing as Tramila soothes her nager.
Wise Snake: I wish that I... hadn't been... required for that particular task.
Tramila: Look at the child and Alea. They both look Farris... and they are both going to live.
Tramila: But you were and you did and you were wonderful.
Wise Snake looks exhausted.
Wise Snake: Is Muryin really going to be here in 4 days?
Tramila: Yes. That is what I understand.
Wise Snake: I... I can't. I can't be here then.
Wise Snake: Do you understand me? I have to get out of town.
Tramila: But why??
Wise Snake simply stares at Tramila.
Tramila looks back.
Tramila: Alea needs you to help her recover.
Wise Snake's nager contains, if one is able to zlin through to the core, a hidden ~~loathing/terror/shame~~
Wise Snake: I'll come back when Muryin is gone.
Tramila: Can you at least leave the day before she is due to arrive?
Tramila: It would help Alea.
Wise Snake's nervousness is visibly rising.
Wise Snake: I'll... do the best I can. I can't promise.
Tramila zlins Wise.
Tramila: I know you will.
B'cal bursts into the Sime Center.
Tramila: Leave when you have to leave.
B'cal: Where the shenned is Snake!
Tramila: I'll understand and so will Alea.
B'cal strides over to the desk clerk and sneers.
Boofay is sitting in the clerk's chair.
B'cal blocks the way so the desk clerk can't leave.
B'cal: Well?
Boofay looks up at the big, loud woman.
B'cal snaps it out.
B'cal pulls on the bottom of her jacket, straightening it.
B'cal: Where is she... or do you not speak Simelan?
B'cal switches to English.
B'cal: Snake Farris.
B'cal: Where the shenned is she?
Boofay looks at her blankly.
Boofay thinks "Whoa, dude."
B'cal: I have been all over this town looking for that channel.
B'cal: Or is she dead?
B'cal: I told her I'd be checking up on her.
Boofay: I think she, like, came through here about a half hour ago.
Boofay: [offers in a sort of dubious fashion]
B'cal leans down, sneering right in Boofay's face.
B'cal: You weren't here last time I was here.
B'cal smiles evilly.
Tramila: Why don't you sit down, Wise?
B'cal: You think?
B'cal: Which way did she head?
Boofay: Are you, like, somebody I should know about, or something?
Boofay: [doubtfully]
B'cal figures toward the drugs.
B'cal knows it's always toward the drugs.
Wise Snake looks around, then sits down heavily, watching the people working over Alea.
Boofay points down a corridor.
Boofay: [toward the offices]
B'cal sneers.
Boofay: I think that way... or maybe... [finger wavers towards treatment rooms]
B'cal: If you don't find Snake for me, you'll truly wish you'd never met me.
Boofay: Oh, wow. [wishes that already]
B'cal shakes her head in disgust.
B'cal starts off down the hall, throwing open doors as she goes.
B'cal: Snake!
B'cal: Snake Farris!!
B'cal: Get your nose out of the drug cabinets and answer me!!!!
Wise Snake looks down at her arms, which are covered with... whatever.
Eliza hears yelling.
Eliza looks up at Snake [she is on the floor with the towels and a bucket of water]
B'cal: Snake Farris front and center NOW!!
Wise Snake stiffens.
B'cal slams open a donation room door.
Eliza: Snake? Snake?
Eliza: Someone is looking for you.
Wise Snake: Shedoni, I know that voice.
Wise Snake: I don't want her in here now.
B'cal: Snaaaaaaaaaake!
Wise Snake pushes herself up and staggers to the door, then gets a grip on herself and walks firmly out, closing the door behind her.
B'cal is just coming out of a room two doors down.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal.
B'cal: I don't CARE if you were performing a lobotomy I need Snak----
B'cal: There you are!
B'cal looks at Snake and sneers.
B'cal: Barely.
B'cal: What in shendoni hell happened to you!
Wise Snake: I just pushed selyn backward into a Farris Donor in labor.
Wise Snake: And Muryin is coming to town in 4 days.
Wise Snake: Any other questions?
B'cal actually pales
B'cal regains her equilibrium quickly.
B'cal: Yes, I do.
Wise Snake looks like she was dragged through a hedge backwards... and then a rendery, a meat packing plant, a 3 week old, blackened snowdrift, a barbed wire fence, a waste treatment evaporation pond, and a sauna.
B'cal doesn't have to ask. She figures it's the little tart who had the child.
B'cal: I need some channels.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal with a sort of exhausted, intolerant incredulity.
Wise Snake: You do?
B'cal: There's an epidemic at V'lar.
B'cal: We're short.
B'cal: It'd only be a week.
B'cal: At the most.
B'cal: I'm here to talk to you, then if necessary, official channels.
B'cal pauses.
B'cal: That old windbag Farris is really coming here in four days?
Wise Snake: According to Tramila, yes.
Eliza listens carefully from her position on the floor.
Wise Snake: Look... how many do you need? I can come myself. I have two Thirds. Is that enough?
B'cal wonders if she could somehow use that to her advantage as for getting channels from the Center....
B'cal pauses.
B'cal gapes.
B'cal quickly schools her features.
Wise Snake thinks some people never change.
B'cal: That would be perfect.
B'cal had no idea it would be this easy.
B'cal sighs.
B'cal: Now....
Eliza gets up, wipes her hands on her uniform [the towels all having been used up] and walks to the door.
B'cal: where is your Donor?
Eliza: Do you need Donors too?
B'cal moves over and slips an arm around Snake.
B'cal ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: At home. They.... [pauses at Eliza's words]
B'cal: You shouldn't be alone.
Wise Snake turns her head to look at Eliza.
B'cal looks at Eliza.
B'cal ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: B'cal.. I have to talk to Eliza. And to Tramila. Can you wait?
B'cal nods.
B'cal: Of course.
B'cal offers Support waiting to see if Snake would like her to accompany her.
Wise Snake isn't sure how inhibited Eliza would feel about talking around B'cal.
Wise Snake thinks, maybe since Eliza doesn't know B'cal at all, maybe not very.
Wise Snake turns and goes back to where Eliza is.
Wise Snake speaks in a low voice.
Eliza looks Snake in the eye.
Wise Snake tries not to meet Eliza's eyes.
Wise Snake: [sliding, avoiding gaze]
Wise Snake: Eliza, I am not sure that you should get involved in this.
B'cal tries not to listen.
Wise Snake: For one, where we are going.. V'lar... is the Householding that raised both B'cal and D'cor.
Wise Snake figures enough said about that.
Eliza flinches slightly at the mention of D'cor.
Eliza: Would I be any use though?
Wise Snake: And for another, this is work I'm taking on personally. Not Tecton work.
Wise Snake: Well, I could put you to work supporting BumBum, but he's only a 3rd.
Wise Snake: Your skills won't be improved by working with him.
Wise Snake thinks BumBum's skills, on the other hand, might actually shape up into something semi-usable.
Eliza: I don't care about that. I'd like to go if I can help.
Wise Snake: Well, unless you plan on running away from the Tecton, you'll have to get permission from one of your Controllers.
Eliza: If it's a medical emergency, wouldn't they want to help?
Wise Snake: If they are willing to help, then I won't have to.
Eliza hesitates.
Wise Snake thinks that's actually preferable to her dropping all her clients for a whole week.
Wise Snake: Maybe they'd send back you and D'cor together?
Eliza shudders.
Eliza: I don't think he is well enough.
Wise Snake: He'd be pleased to... oh.
Wise Snake thinks, maybe they'd send him back for recovery.
Eliza: When will you be leaving?
Wise Snake shakes her head.
Wise Snake: I don't know. I have to get some things in order first.
B'cal moves forward. ~~ strong steady support ~~
Eliza: I'll go see Briel, then.
B'cal: I told my Sectuib I'd send a runner back to the house.
B'cal: He'll tell me just what is required.
B'cal: But now, Snake, we should get you home and in bed where you can rest.
B'cal: Those Donors... I leave you in their hands and look what they do to you!
Wise Snake: B'cal... it's not their fault.
Wise Snake: [tiredly]
Wise Snake: Yes, Eliza, you do that.
Wise Snake: I have to talk to Tramila.
B'cal nods, not willing to argue.
B'cal ~~ strong steady support ~~
Wise Snake looks at B'cal, a hard, judging look, then nods and goes back into the treatment room.
Notes:
1) Actually, if one believes the schedules, he is only 2 days from transfer. [return]